1 week Ago By Tom Malley
The Masters has finally teed off after weeks of anticipation, but fans have quickly noticed a significant absence from the TV screens over the first two days - CBS star Amanda Balionis. The well-liked sportscaster was officially confirmed for the network's primary broadcast coverage at Augusta this week, but she has yet to appear on camera since the action began on Thursday. The Masters is particularly noteworthy as it signifies Balionis' official return to reporting duties, with CBS resuming its coverage of the top tournaments on the 2025 golfing calendar.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has bounced back into contention at Augusta following a disappointing start on Thursday. He concluded Friday's round six-under-par after shooting a 67, a day after posting a 72. As CBS shares the broadcasting rights for the PGA Tour with NBC, the 39-year-old and her team have had to sit out the last seven events, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship.
This means that Balionis hasn't been seen on screen since the final day of the Genesis Invitational on February 16. So, after nearly two months away from the limelight, fans were eagerly anticipating seeing the esteemed sportscaster back in her usual environment for the Masters this week. However, they'll have to wait a bit longer, as ESPN currently holds the coverage rights for Thursday and Friday's action at Augusta.
Balionis and the CBS team are set to make their TV appearance this weekend, as the network holds exclusive broadcasting rights for Saturday and Sunday's play at Augusta. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the CBS star back in action, but she'll be taking centre stage during the pivotal moments of the tournament, especially on Sunday's final day. Joining Balionis on the greens for the weekend's coverage at Augusta will be Frank Nobilo, Ian Baker-Finch, Andrew Catalon, and Dottie Pepper.
They will all support host Jim Nantz, who marks his 37th year hosting the Masters coverage, and lead analyst Trevor Immelman in the main broadcast. Balionis has shown her excitement for the event, stating on Instagram last month that she is "coming for" the Masters as she gears up for her highly anticipated comeback to the PGA Tour. Moreover, the Masters is set to offer fans extended coverage, with CBS receiving an additional five hours of broadcast time over the weekend.
This not only serves as a welcome bonus for the network's return but also provides Balionis with more opportunities to create memorable moments in her broadcasting career, which she is expected to seize wholeheartedly. Following the Masters, CBS will be broadcasting every PGA Tour event leading up to the US Open from June 12-15, marking a busy period for Balionis and her team as they gear up for a streak of nine consecutive tournaments. This schedule also features the RBC Heritage, Truist Championship, and Memorial Tournament, three of the PGA Tour's flagship events, in addition to the PGA Championship in May.
This artricle originally appeared on Irish Star.
